Pennsylvania Psychiatry Practice Exam

The first-line treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) typically include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Among the listed options, Prozac (Fluoxetine), Paxil (Paroxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), and Effexor (Venlafaxine) are all recognized medications within these categories that have been shown to be effective in managing PTSD symptoms.

SSRIs like Prozac and Zoloft work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and anxiety associated with PTSD. Similarly, Paxil is also indicated for PTSD and has demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Effexor, although classified as an SNRI, has shown favorable results for PTSD as well due to its effect on norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Other options listed do not fit the first-line treatment criteria for PTSD. For example, antipsychotics such as Risperidone, Quetiapine, and Olanzapine may be used sometimes for PTSD, especially if symptoms are severe, but they are not considered first-line treatments. Additionally, medications like Buspirone, Diaz